Chapter 50: Zeref's Demon
Because the system often blurted out random nonsense, Moen couldn't be entirely sure whether this so-called "LULLABY" plan was something Erigor was already planning, or something he'd initiate in the future.
What concerned him most was this:
Moen had no idea what "LULLABY" even was.
It sounded intimidating—"a mass curse-type spell"—and that alone was enough for Moen to decide he had to get to the bottom of it.
"Grandpa Makarov, do you know anything about LULLABY?"
Moen asked decisively. When it came to magic, there was no better source than their own guild master—he was a walking encyclopedia.
Makarov's expression changed slightly.
"LULLABY? Why are you asking about that?"
His tone was laced with confusion—and caution.
Apparently, this term wasn't just some made-up legend.
It had weight.
That reaction confirmed it—Makarov definitely knew something.
But Moen wasn't sure how to explain himself. It wasn't exactly the kind of question you just dropped out of nowhere.
Luckily, someone jumped in to help.
"Oh? Moen, you saw that book too?"
It was Reinhardt, one of the older guild members.
"We found it while rummaging through Iron Forest's stuff—some old book in Erigor's room. It mentioned 'LULLABY.'"
"Yeah," Moen quickly followed up, seizing the excuse.
"That's what got me curious."
Makarov nodded grimly and began to explain.
"LULLABY is a flute. Legend has it that once played, anyone who hears its sound... dies from a curse."
Just the idea of it sent a chill down Moen's spine.
"Cursed death magic… that's completely forbidden."
Moen muttered, voice low and serious.
Makarov nodded gravely.
"Exactly. And the version of LULLABY modified by Zeref... is far more dangerous. A true forbidden artifact."
Zeref.
The black wizard, the origin of all dark magic, the man whose name was synonymous with doom.
If someone like him had modified LULLABY... that was a disaster waiting to happen.
"If LULLABY ever falls into the wrong hands," Makarov continued,
"it could cause unimaginable destruction. The Magic Council has been searching for it for years—hoping to seal it away forever."
The moment Makarov mentioned the Magic Council, Moen understood the weight of the situation.
This wasn't just dark magic—
It was a threat to the entire magical world.
Truth be told, Makarov actually knew much more than he was letting on.
He was well aware that LULLABY wasn't just some cursed flute.
It was a demon from the Book of Zeref—
A monstrous creature with a wooden body and three eyes.
Its very nature was evil.
There was no such thing as using it for good.
Sealing it… was the only option.
And just then—
[Ding! New Quest Triggered!]
Quest Name: "Seal the Cursed Demon"
Quest Objective:
"LULLABY" may appear to be a flute—adorned with a three-eyed skull—but in truth, it is the cursed demon Lullaby, a monstrous entity of rotting wood and hatred.
Created by Zeref, the progenitor of dark magic, Lullaby is a vicious, relentless evil.
It must be destroyed—before it can awaken.
Quest Progress: Defeat the demon "Lullaby" (Not Yet Complete)
Quest Reward: Random Silver Cloth
Moen's eyes flickered with determination.
This wasn't just about completing a quest or chasing experience.
It was about stopping a Zeref-class disaster—before it ever began.
After learning the truth about "LULLABY" from Master Makarov, Moen immediately triggered a new quest.
And the moment he read the quest details, his expression darkened.
"So this thing is another one of Zeref's demons?"
Moen wasn't unfamiliar with the name Zeref.
The legendary Black Wizard, the originator of dark magic, a man whose creations had wreaked havoc across the continent and left countless tragedies in their wake.
He knew all this… mostly thanks to Gray.
Gray's parents, his master—all of them had been killed by one of Zeref's demons.
On the continent of Ishgar, Zeref's reputation was akin to that of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.
The Voldemort of Earth Land.
No one dared speak his name lightly.
Looking back at the quest screen, Moen made a quick deduction:
"Judging by the reward—just arandom Silver Cloth—this 'Lullaby' demon probably isn't that strong."
That was based on a very simple comparison.
When he was given the mission to change Laxus's mindset, the reward had been a random Gold Cloth.
This one? Only silver.
So clearly, the system ranked Laxus as stronger than Lullaby.
Of course… that assumption was a bit of a gamble.
The bigger issue now was—
"Where do I even find this thing?"
Beating Lullaby might not be too hard in itself.
The real problem was locating the cursed demon in the first place.
As far as Moen could tell, this quest was going to rely heavily on luck.
He'd just have to keep his eyes open, gather any intel related to "LULLABY," and hope he crossed paths with it soon.
Even as they headed home, Moen couldn't get it out of his mind.
He was so preoccupied, he didn't even check the new reward he'd received.
That "Skill Experience Book" sat quietly in his system inventory.
Its crimson leather cover bore the words:
"Skill Experience Book"
There was no preview, no description—just one button: Use.
When used, it would allow Moen to instantly increase the proficiency of any one skill by 150 points.
"…"
Moen hesitated.
There were so many variables to consider.
First, the book didn't specify "Basic," "Intermediate," or "Advanced."
So could it be used across all stages?
And if so, would using it now—during the early phase of a skill—be a waste?
Based on his experience, skill progression slows down the more advanced a technique becomes.
So saving the book might be the smarter move.
He checked his current skills:
Pegasus Meteor Fist · Basic · 390/500
Disarm Technique (Empty Hand Against Blade) · Basic · 0/500
The Pegasus Meteor Fist had leveled up naturally during the fight with Erigor—10 points gained from that single battle.
That showed just how effective real combat was for growth—especially against powerful enemies.
After some thought, Moen decided not to use the Skill Experience Book just yet.
Pegasus Meteor Fist was still leveling up steadily through combat.
Disarm Technique hadn't even been practiced yet—no data to compare.
"Better to hold onto it for now. I can always use it later in a pinch—kind of like an instant power-up."
With that settled, he tucked it away.
A trump card, to be saved for a desperate moment.
Before long, Fairy Tail's team returned triumphantly to their beloved Magnolia City.
They didn't linger at the guildhall—there was one more stop.
They escorted the captured Iron Forest members straight to the Magic Council's local branch.
Time to turn in the mission and collect the bounty.
Vengeance was one thing.
Making a statement was another.
But getting paid was non-negotiable.